The Gilroy High boys knew that the West Coast Classic would be
the early-season test that would indicate where the Mustangs were
in relation to other top Northern California schools.
Staff Reports
San Jose – The Gilroy High boys knew that the West Coast Classic would be the early-season test that would indicate where the Mustangs were in relation to other top Northern California schools.
It didn’t go as well as coach Bud Ogden or the team hoped. A 57-44 defeat to McClymonds in the opening consolation game Friday at Valley Christian eliminated Gilroy from the tournament.
“It wasn’t pretty,” Ogden said. “We didn’t play very well.”
The Warriors (4-1), meanwhile, did play well. After being blitzed by Foothill’s long-range bombers in a 57-38 opening-round loss to the Falcons, McClymonds made the necessary adjustments.
Kameron Handy again hit some treys to help carry GHS (4-3) in the early going, but he tired in the second half after carrying a large share of the offensive load.
“We were able to get some of the guys who haven’t played much in during the last 4, 5 minutes to get them some experience,” Ogden said, noting he began substituting when it was clear the Mustangs would not be able to come back.
Meanwhile, the Foothill-Berkeley game was as good as advertised. Yellowjackets’ transfer Matt Simpkins, who torched Gilroy for 31 points one night earlier, fouled out in the final quarter and the Falcons (5-0) won 75-73 to move into the final against host Valley Christian, which beat Mt. Eden 84-61.
